The ammunition selections include APFSDS, HEAT and HE (High explosive) rounds and gun-launched ATGM. The Type 15 tank can hold 38 rounds of various 105 mm shells. The spent cases are ejected automatically via a hatch at the turret rear. The sustained fire rate is supported by a bustle-mounted autoloader system, which reduces the crew to 3. It is reported that the main gun has an effective firing range of 3 km and is compatible with all standard NATO 105 mm tank ammunition. Type 15 light tank features a fully-stabilized 105 mm rifled gun, which is reportedly superior to the old ZPL-94 105 mm rifled gun fitted on Type 88 and Type 59 tanks. The new tank is also much more mobile than heavier main battle tanks due to its light weight and high power/weight ratio. Heavily armored vehicles such as T-72 and T-90 main battle tanks will have difficulty to traverse in the hypoxic environment, but the Type-15 light tank can operate at high altitudes with its powerful engine and oxygen generators. In the high altitude region like Tibet, the air becomes thin and engines start to lose power. The Type 15 is designed to fulfill the requirement for a lighter, more mobile modern tank that can effectively operate in highland/ plateau, woodland and water-rich regions where the heavier Type 99 and Type 96 main battle tanks might have difficulties traversing.

It was showcased in the 70th National Day parade on October 1, 2019. In December 2018, the tank was officially acknowledged to be in active service. The Type 15 entered mass production in 2016. Development ĭuring development, the Type 15 was repeatedly sighted by Chinese citizens, with sightings as early as 2011. It could become a successor to the Type 62 light tank that was retired from the Chinese army in 2013. The Type 15 ( Chinese: 15式轻型坦克 pinyin: yīwǔ shì qīngxíng tǎnkè, also designated ZTQ-15), nicknamed the Black Panther ( Chinese: 黑豹 pinyin: hēi bào), is a Chinese third generation light tank operated by the People's Liberation Army Ground Force, People's Liberation Army Navy Marine Corps, and People's Liberation Army Air Force Airborne Corps. 469 kilometres (291 mi)(without external fuel drums)

Light tank modern